Clark University Scholarships for International Students

 Introduction & History of Clark University

Clark University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a private research university founded in 1887. Known for its strong liberal arts core combined with applied research, Clark has built a reputation for personalized education, social commitment, and global engagement. Over its long history, Clark has attracted students from many countries and offers various forms of financial support to international students who contribute to its diverse academic community.

 Benefits of Studying at Clark University

International students considering Clark University gain several key advantages:

Personalized Education & Research Opportunities: Small class sizes allow close interaction with faculty and opportunities for undergraduate research.
Diverse Academic Programs: A variety of majors in arts, sciences, social sciences, business, and environmental studies plus STEM fields at graduate level.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Access: International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships and some need-based aid.
Merit Recognition: Automatic consideration for many merit scholarships, including high-profile awards like the Presidential Scholarship.
Vibrant Campus Life: Clark offers strong support through its International Students & Scholars Office, visa assistance, and student services.

Courses Offered Under Scholarship-Eligible Programs

Clark University provides scholarships to international students for undergraduate and graduate programs. Some of the scholarship-eligible areas include:

Arts & Humanities (e.g. Literature, History)
Social Sciences (e.g. Psychology, International Relations, Political Science)
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Environmental Studies
Business & Economics
STEM Graduate Programs (Engineering, Data Science, Environmental Science)

 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for scholarships at Clark University as an international student, applicants generally must:

1. Non-U.S. Citizen / Non-Permanent Resident – Students from abroad who are neither U.S. citizens nor holders of U.S. permanent residency.
2. Strong Academic Record – High school performance (for undergraduate) or undergraduate performance (for graduate) with competitive GPA and coursework.
3. Application for Admission – Be admitted to a degree program at Clark. Some scholarships require being first-year or transfer students.
4. English Proficiency – Meet Clark’s English language requirements.
5. Merit & Leadership Qualities – Many merit-scholarships consider personal achievements, leadership, community involvement, and experiences.

 Documents Required

When applying for scholarship consideration, international students will generally need to submit:

Passport or proof of identity
Academic transcripts and certificates from prior studies
Standardized test results if required (for admissions)
English proficiency test scores if needed
Essays or personal statements (sometimes specifically for merit scholarships)
Letters of recommendation
Financial documents (for students applying for need-based aid)
Completed forms required by the university, such as the International Student Certification of Finances or CSS Profile for need-based aid.

 Application Process

Here are the typical steps for applying for scholarships at Clark University as an international student:

1. Submit Admission Application to Clark University and get admitted to an undergraduate or graduate program. Clark University
2. Automatic Consideration for Many Merit Scholarships – For many merit-based awards, you do not need a separate application; Clark reviews all admissions applicants automatically for them. Clark University
3. Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid (if applicable) – Fill out required financial aid forms (e.g., CSS Profile) to demonstrate financial need. Clark University
4. Supplementary Applications – Some specific scholarships (like the Presidential Scholarship or Global Scholars Program) may require extra essays or interviews. Clark University
5. Meet Deadlines – Submit all required materials by the Clark University published deadlines for admission and financial aid. Clark University

 Deadlines

Here are some important deadlines relevant for international students, especially undergraduates, at Clark:

Application Round  Deadline for Admission  Deadline for Financial Aid  Scholarships
Early Action  Early Decision I  November 1  November 1 Clark University
Regular Decision  January 15  January 15 Clark University  Transfer Students  Varies (rolling) Clark University  Needs to check specific scholarship deadlines for transfers

If you are applying for Fall 2026, these rounds are usually consistent; however Clark may update them, so always verify the latest dates on their website.

 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Are international students eligible for full scholarships?
Not many. There are a few very high merit awards (e.g. Presidential Scholarship) that can cover large portions of tuition + room and board, but full ride scholarships are extremely competitive. Clark University1

Q2: Do I need to submit a separate application for every scholarship?
For most merit scholarships, no. Many are automatic based on the admission application. But for some high-profile ones, extra essays or applications are required. Clark University

Q3: Is financial need considered for international students?
Yes, Clark offers some need-based aid. If you complete the required financial aid forms (e.g. CSS Profile), you can be considered for additional grants. Clark University

Q4: What is the total cost of attendance?
The cost of attendance (for 2025-26) is around US$79,285 including tuition, room, board, insurance, etc. After aid and scholarships, many students still pay a substantial amount. Clark University

Q5: How many merit scholarships are awarded?
Several merit scholarships are available. For example, Clark has multiple merit scholarships for first-year international students: International Traina, International Achievement, International Jonas Clark, Presidential, Global Scholars. Only a few students receive large awards like the Presidential Scholarship. Clark University

 Final Thoughts

Clark University offers generous support for international students via merit-based scholarships, strong academic programs, and additional support through need-based aid. While not all costs can be covered, high performing and well-prepared students have good chances of receiving meaningful financial support. If you’re aiming to apply, make sure to keep track of admission deadlines, prepare strong academic records, and submit all financial documents on time.